Description
Okay, so the name sounds sketchy, but I promise this is totally legal and way more addictive than it should be. These Crack Burgers are called that for one reason: once you make them, you literally cannot stop. We’re talking juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties topped with melted cheese that cascades down the sides, crispy bacon that shatters when you bite it, caramelized onions that are basically candy, and a secret sauce that’ll make you question every other burger you’ve ever eaten.
This isn’t just another burger recipe — this is the burger recipe that’ll ruin all other burgers for you. It’s the kind of thing that makes people show up to your cookouts with high expectations and leave planning their next visit. Fair warning: make these once, and you’ll be the designated burger person in your friend group forever.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend — don’t go leaner, trust me)
- 1 packet onion soup mix (yeah, the packet — don’t judge)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 large onions, sliced thin
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 brioche hamburger buns
- Butter for toasting buns
For the Crack Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Optional But Worth It:
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- More bacon (always more bacon)
Instructions
Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
Taste and adjust — more sweet? More tang? Make it yours.
Chill in the fridge while you prep everything else.
Cook bacon until crispy, then set aside on paper towels.
In the same pan with the bacon fat (liquid gold!), cook sliced onions over medium-low heat.
Let them caramelize slowly, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
They should be golden brown and sweet. Don’t rush this part.
In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, onion soup mix, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, and garlic powder.
Don’t overmix — treat it like you’re handling a sleeping baby.
Form into 8 patties, making them slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink).
Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb (prevents puffing).
Heat your grill or cast iron pan to medium-high heat.
Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on the first side without pressing or moving them.
Flip once, then immediately top with cheese.
Cook another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.
Let them rest for 2-3 minutes (hardest part of the whole recipe).
Lightly butter and toast the brioche buns until golden.
Spread crack sauce on both top and bottom buns.
Bottom bun, then patty with melted cheese, then caramelized onions, then crispy bacon.
Add lettuce, tomato, pickles if you’re using them.
Top with more sauce and the top bun.
Serve immediately while everything is still hot and melty.
Have napkins ready — these are gloriously messy.
Watch people’s faces when they take that first bite.
Notes
Serve with crispy fries or onion rings (obviously).
Ice-cold beer or classic milkshakes are mandatory.
Make extra sauce — people will want to dip their fries in it.
Have wet wipes handy because things are about to get messy in the best way.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~650 kcal per serving
- Protein: ~35g